"LE PETIT DUC."
Audience. "Bravo, Monseigneur!"
"Bravo Monseigneur!" Quite a natural cry,
For he looks picturesque, and appears to be plucky,
The Roscius rôle the young actor would try;
His début "gets a hand," which is certainly lucky.
These Infant Phenomena frequently fail
To rouse anything more than good-natured derision;
But clappings and cheers this boy histrion hail.
What then is his Vision?
"The thoughts of youth, they are long, long thoughts;"
Exceedingly true, most mellifluous Longfellow!
But later come crosses, oft leading to noughts,
And "l'homme nécessaire" often finds he's the wrong fellow.
How many débuts have occurred on the Stage
With various set scenes, and with properties varied?
Sensationalism, the vice of the age,
To extremes has been carried.
A good situation all actors desire,
All playrights approve, and all managers glory in.
He has struck out his own with decision and fire.
What part will he play a more serious story in?
Who knows? For the moment the cue is applause.
"Vive, Roscius!" It may mean mere claque, empty chatter.
And whether the youngster will further the Cause
Is a different matter.
A coup de théâtre is not everything,
As well he's aware, that tragedian troubled
Who is gliding so gloomily off at the wing.
Hope's cup at his lips lately brimmingly bubbled,
Now "foiled by a novice, eclipsed by a boy!"
Is the thought in his mind. The reflection is bitter—
Theatrical taste often craves a fresh toy,
And is captured by glitter.
What thinks Madame France of the attitude struck
By this confident slip of good stock histrionic?
Though dames swear their dear Petit Duc is a duck,
The smile of old stagers is somewhat ironic.
But "Bravas!" resound. A lad's "resolute will,"
The "wisdom of twenty years," stir admiration,
The political Café Chantant pluck will thrill
In a stage-loving nation.
Royal Berkshire.—Go to Dowdeswell's, in Bond Street, and they will show you how County-history is written in the present day. It is altogether different to the dull, old, dry volumes, "the musty histories," which our grandfathers exhibited on their shelves, but never took down to read; and these County-historians are of a much more entertaining character. Those who know Royal Berkshire well—as most of us do—will be glad to have their memory refreshed by the fresh, bright, breezy pictures by Yeend King, John M. Bromley, and J. M. Mackintosh. Keeley Halswelle's superb painting of "Royal Windsor" occupies the place of honour in the room. It is one of the best pictures—and at the same time one of the most unconventional—ever produced of this oft-painted subject.